Author: EchoAsiaNews

Military planners from more than 30 countries are set to meet in London for two days of talks beginning Wednesday to develop plans aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the British government said. The discussions are part of an international effort led by the United Kingdom and France to ensure the security of maritime traffic through the strategic waterway once conditions permit. According to Britain’s Ministry of Defence, more than a dozen countries have already indicated willingness to join the proposed mission, following a broader video conference last week involving around 50 nations from Europe, Asia, and the Middle…

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran does not actually want to close the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that Tehran is attempting to maintain oil revenues despite its public threats. In a post on X, Trump said Iran is reportedly losing around $500 million per day due to disruptions linked to the closure of the strategic waterway, which he attributed to a US blockade. He suggested Iranian officials were calling for closure only to “save face” domestically. Trump further claimed that intermediaries had informed him days earlier that Iran was prepared to reopen the Strait immediately in order to…

The Israeli military has said it will detain two soldiers for 30 days and remove them from combat duty after they were found responsible for damaging a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon. The decision follows an internal investigation into an incident in which a video circulated online showed an Israeli soldier using a sledgehammer to strike the head of a crucifix statue located in the Christian village of Debl, near the Israeli border. According to the military statement, the soldier who damaged the statue and another who recorded the act will both be removed from combat roles and face…

Azerbaijan’s state energy company SOCAR has said it is ready to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistan once it receives a formal request from Islamabad, according to Reuters. SOCAR stated that a framework agreement signed in 2025 between SOCAR Trading and Pakistan LNG Limited allows Pakistan to procure LNG cargoes through an accelerated mechanism. “SOCAR is ready to provide LNG to Pakistan as soon as PLL submits a corresponding request,” the company said, without confirming whether a request has already been made or when deliveries could begin. Pakistan, which depends heavily on gas for power generation and industry, is…

Pakistan on Tuesday strongly condemned the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and the raising of the Israeli flag inside its courtyard, calling the actions “reprehensible” and a violation of international law. In a statement, the Foreign Office said the incident, carried out by “illegal Israeli settlers,” constituted a breach of the sanctity and inviolability of the holy site and risked further escalating tensions in the region. It said settlers entered the compound through the Mughrabi Gate under heavy police protection and engaged in provocative activities, including religious rituals, before the Israeli flag was raised inside the courtyard. The Foreign…

Iran has called on the United Nations to condemn the United States after it seized an Iranian cargo vessel, warning of escalating tensions even as global oil markets reacted to developments in the ongoing crisis. Iran’s ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, described the US action as “piracy” and a violation of the ceasefire between Tehran and Washington in a letter addressed to the Security Council and the secretary-general. The response follows an announcement by US President Donald Trump that US naval forces had fired on and seized the Iran-flagged Touska cargo ship in the Sea of Oman, citing…

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday thanked US President Donald Trump for agreeing to extend the ceasefire with Iran, calling it an opportunity for diplomatic efforts to progress. In a statement posted on X, Sharif said the appreciation was expressed on his own behalf and on behalf of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, acknowledging Washington’s decision to allow more time for negotiations. He reiterated that Pakistan would continue to play a constructive role in seeking a negotiated settlement to the conflict and expressed hope that both sides would adhere to the ceasefire. Sharif also said he expects a comprehensive peace…

US President Donald Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran, hours before it was due to expire, stating that the truce will remain in place until Tehran submits formal proposals for negotiations. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the decision followed a request from Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging restraint to allow Iranian leadership time to present a unified position. Trump added that while the ceasefire would continue, he has directed US forces to maintain the blockade on Iran and remain fully prepared for potential military action if talks fail.…

US Vice President JD Vance will not travel to Pakistan today as previously anticipated, a White House official confirmed, adding that any updates on in-person meetings will be announced in due course. The development comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, as an adviser to Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf accused US President Donald Trump of using a ceasefire extension as a “ploy to buy time” for a potential surprise military strike. According to the adviser, the continued US blockade on Iranian ports is equivalent to “bombardment” and should be met with a military response. The remarks reflect…

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that it could halt oil production across the Middle East if attacks are launched against the country from the territory of neighbouring Gulf states. According to remarks reported by Fars News Agency, aerospace force commander Majid Mousavi said regional countries would face severe consequences if their land or facilities were used to support military action against Iran. “The southern neighbours should know that if their geography and facilities are used in the service of the enemies to attack the Iranian nation, they should bid farewell to oil production in the Middle East,” Mousavi…